Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content. The company's portfolio of iconic franchises includes Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Candy Crush Saga, among others. Activision Blizzard's games are available on various platforms, including console systems, personal computers, and mobile devices.
The company was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games. Since then, Activision Blizzard has grown through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of King Digital Entertainment in 2016. In 2022, Microsoft Corporation acquired Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal valued at $95.00 per share, or approximately $68.7 billion.
Activision Blizzard operates through three business segments: Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and King Digital Entertainment. Activision develops and publishes console and PC games, including Call of Duty and Skylanders. Blizzard Entertainment develops and publishes PC games, including World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo. King Digital Entertainment develops and publishes mobile games, including Candy Crush Saga and Farm Heroes Saga.
As of February 2023, Activision Blizzard has a market capitalization of around $63 billion, with annual revenues exceeding $7 billion. The company has a strong track record of profitability, with net income of over $2 billion in 2022. Activision Blizzard's financial performance is driven by its ability to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Activision Blizzard was removed from the S&P 500 index in 2022 due to its acquisition by Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal valued at $95.00 per share, or approximately $68.7 billion. The acquisition was completed on October 28, 2022, and as a result, Activision Blizzard's shares were delisted from the NASDAQ stock exchange and removed from the S&P 500 index.
Activision Blizzard is led by a seasoned management team, including Bobby Kotick, CEO (Activision Blizzard Leadership), Dennis Durkin, CFO (Activision Blizzard Leadership), J. Allen Brack, President of Blizzard Entertainment (Blizzard Entertainment Leadership), and Riccardo Zacconi, CEO of King Digital Entertainment (King Digital Entertainment Leadership). The company's leadership team has a deep understanding of the gaming industry and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation.
In addition to its financial performance, Activision Blizzard is also recognized for its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has implemented various initiatives to promote these values throughout its organization. Activision Blizzard has also been recognized for its philanthropic efforts, including its support for the Call of Duty Endowment, which aims to help veterans find employment in the gaming industry.
Activision Blizzard's games have had a significant impact on popular culture, with many of its franchises becoming household names. The company's games have also been recognized for their artistic and technical achievements, with many winning numerous awards and accolades. Activision Blizzard's commitment to innovation and creativity has helped to drive the growth of the gaming industry as a whole, and has paved the way for new and exciting developments in the world of interactive entertainment.
In conclusion, Activision Blizzard is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content, with a portfolio of iconic franchises and a strong track record of financial performance. The company's commitment to innovation, diversity, and corporate social responsibility has helped to drive its success, and has made it a leader in the gaming industry. As the company looks to the future, it is well-positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation in the world of interactive entertainment.
Furthermore, Activision Blizzard's acquisition by Microsoft Corporation is expected to bring about new opportunities for growth and innovation. The company's leadership team is committed to continuing to drive innovation and creativity, and to exploring new ways to engage with gamers and to create immersive gaming experiences.
In addition, Activision Blizzard is also committed to continuing to support its community of gamers, and to providing them with the best possible gaming experiences. The company's customer support team is dedicated to helping gamers with any issues they may encounter, and to providing them with the support they need to fully enjoy their gaming experiences.